ACI CI HYGT – Iemmulo and Ruggiero seal their first win of the season at Lusail
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The Italian GT3 and Hypercar Championship on LMU has officially kicked off, and the opening round at the Lusail circuit (Qatar) lived up to expectations. Between strategy, overtakes and duels, the first night under the floodlights delivered the first verdicts: victory went to Dario Iemmulo in Hypercar and Edoardo Ruggiero in LMGT3.
Hypercar – Iemmulo surprises Di Buono
Qualifying had sent a clear signal: Marco di Buono, author of the pole position in 1:38.736, looked like the outright favourite. In the race, however, the story took a different turn: after 35 flat-out laps it was Dario Iemmulo who crossed the line first in 1:00:13.297, holding off a fierce comeback from Di Buono, second by just 679 thousandths. Simone Violo completed the podium (+13.4s), while Luca Lo Monaco finished fourth ahead of Leonardo Pagano and Daniel Tudda.
Di Buono, in addition to second place, also took home the 2 points for pole position and the bonus point for the fastest lap of the race, confirming himself as the quickest man over a single lap.
LMGT3 – Ruggiero returns to the front and sets the pace
In LMGT3, the action started immediately in the opening corners: Edoardo Ruggiero, who started from pole, lost the lead at the start but, thanks to calmness and superior pace, managed to regain the lead after just a few laps. From there on, he controlled the race with authority, crossing the finish line in 1:08:23.149.
Behind him, a fighting Marcello Bonaccorsi (+2.6s), who never let go and claimed the satisfaction of the fastest lap of the race, while Guglielmo Filippi (+7.0s) completed the podium after a consistent drive.
Race Direction – a tense start for the new format
The opening round was not without tension: the Race Direction had to intervene several times, handing out multiple penalties for contacts and borderline maneuvers. A clear sign that drivers still need to adapt to the new multi-class format, which requires particular attention during lapping situations and the management of the most hectic phases.
Despite this, the spectacle was certainly there, and the feeling is that with experience the level of cleanliness and race management can only improve.
Towards Spa-Francorchamps
With the first round in the books, the overall standings immediately open up with minimal gaps and great promise for the rest of the season. The next appointment is scheduled for 14 October at Spa-Francorchamps, a legendary circuit that promises to further enhance the battles between Hypercar and GT3. One thing is certain: the Italian GT3 and Hypercar Championship on LMU has gotten off to the perfect start.